Fashion Career Expert: Maria Pesin

A Life That Self Destructs

Michael Jackson has been the focus of the weekend. Everywhere I look there are articles and news reports.

Even the BET awards changed their show to a tribute to Michael. This morning on the radio there was a news report in a paper in Great Britain about Michael. This article spoke about results from the autopsy.

It seems Mr. Jackson weighted only 112 lbs when he died. There were prescription painkillers in his stomach but no food. His bones were riddled with punctures from needles. Here was a life with such potential and yet Michael joined the ranks of celebrities who’s lives were lived with pain and ended in such sorrow. People like Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland.

It is sad to see someone who had everything ruin his life in this way. I can only imagine the mental illness that could cause this. But then there are some like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who take all the over the top life they were given and do good things with it. I think looking outside of yourself and seeing how you can make a difference in the world is an important way to live your life. Not just buying toys and more toys until nothing makes you happy. Everyone has some pain in their lives. You can either mire yourself in it or see beyond it to how you can help impact the world.. Maybe if Michael changed his focus he would have found joy. One can only wonder

The World Mourns Michael Jackson

I grew up in the era of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. The first time I saw him perform on TV he was an adorable and crazy talented 5 year old. As he grew up his talent evolved and he became legendary as a cutting edge entertainer. Even small details like wearing one glove instead of two on his video were new and outside the box. I just read an article that said; when MTV would run his videos the size of the audience jumped 4-5 times.

Unfortunately Michael was also a symbol of how a major success can self destruct. The excessive plastic surgery, lawsuits, and crushing debt made his later years quite sad. It seemed as if he was finally getting it together and working on a serious comeback when he died.

My heart goes out to his family and his children. Especially his children. My hope is that they do not become pawns in the mess that will come when they sort out his estate.

I’m sorry to see you go Michael. It is the end of an era.